Brownwood Economic Development Director Emily Crawford made a presentation to the Brownwood City Council on Tuesday regarding the painting of several local homes recently as a joint effort by several community organizations and the Mormon Helping Hands group.
Eight homes in Brownwood received a fresh coat of paint Saturday, October 15th, thanks to a local partnership to help enhance the character of local neighborhoods and aid homeowners to improve their homes who cannot do the work themselves.
Mormon Helping Hands, Home Depot and the Pride for Areas Surrounding Schools (PASS) initiative of Brownwood ISD and the City of Brownwood banded together for the day of work to apply the fresh coat of paint to the homes. Of the eight houses selected, four are owned by residents over 65 or disabled.
Almost 300 volunteers helped to paint 8 houses in 4 hours of painting during the effort. Over $2,000 in donated supplies was given to the cause by Home Depot in Brownwood
A huge thank you card was presented to the City of Brownwood by President Robert Duckworth of the Brownwood Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (pictured above). The card was made of several poster boards painted with handprints and signatures of the Mormons who were involved in the efforts. Duckworth said that one of the residents wrote a letter of thanks to the people who helped work on the homes which was shared with the Mayor and council.
According to Duckworth, local volunteer coordinator, all the homeowners were very pleased with the results. He stated that Brownwood church members will return to some of the houses to finish painting eaves with a paint sprayer this weekend.
“It was an enjoyable day for us,” stated Duckworth. “This gives us an opportunity to think outside of ourselves, to go do something for others.”
Emily Crawford – PASS Coordinator said “The Mormon Helping Hands ministry did a remarkable job in the PASS district. They have made a lasting impression on the residents and the neighborhood.”
Mayor Stephen Haynes stated that the group really impressed him with their work and attitude.
“I was blown away by the number of volunteers of all age groups, of multigenerational ages,” said Haynes. “We were just very, very impressed with the dedication of your organization to come and lend a helping hand to Brownwood. It was very much appreciated. I think it says a lot about your character and your conviction that you were willing to spend your Saturday helping others.”
Mormon Helping Hands was established in 1998 and is a church program to provide community service and disaster relief to those in need.
PASS was launched in December of 2010 to enhance the character of neighborhoods surrounding schools in order to inspire learning and civic responsibility. Since then, tons of trash and refuse has been collected at no charge to the residents, junked and nuisance vehicles have been removed, and several vacant and dilapidated buildings have been torn down.
